Retraction of Rizal

(TALK SHOW)

Rizal’s Retraction: Fact or Fiction?

Upbeat music plays as the host enters, wearing a stylish Stop when the
outfit with a quirky hat and a playful smirk. While the host is already
Opening Scene three guests are already seated at a round table. The settled
set is modern and colorful, reflecting a fun, lively
atmosphere. Studio Music
Magandang araw sa inyong lahat, and welcome to
another episode of “Pulsong Pinoy”, where we
explore the heart and soul of Filipino culture, history,
and current events! I’m LEANA , ang chika provider
ng bansa, your host, and today, we’re diving into one
of the most debated topics in Philippine history: the
Rizal’s Retraction: Re-yal? O Fa-ke?
Host
Did he really take back everything he stood for just
before his execution? Or is this just a product of
Spanish propaganda? Together, we will unravel a part
of the controversies because who doesn’t love to hear
a chik, diba? More so pa kaya sa historical mystery na
matagal nang iniintriga.
 splash
Delving to these mysteries, let’s welcome our first
guest. An expert in Philippine history and a man who
Host
can make Rizal’s life sound like a soap opera—give it
up for Professor LENIE . Hello, Prof. LENIE .
First guest ay tumayo. Waved at the audience.
Hello, Host LEANA ! Thanks for having me here.
Professor Actually, excited talaga ako to talk about this very
controversial topic for today.
And, of course, joining us are two equally passionate
individuals with strong opinions and claims. On my
Host right, we have the very opinionated MS. YANA who
firmly believes that Rizal did, in fact, retract his
writings against the Church. Kamusta, MS. YANA ?
I’m good naman, LEANA ! Ready to set the record
Pro
straight for today’s topic!
And on my left, we have MS. LENIETTE an
Host educator and Rizal enthusiast, who thinks otherwise.
MS. LENIETTE are ready to defend your stand?
Oppose Oh, absolutely. We’re not letting this retraction rumor
 get off too easily!
Love the energy! Let’s get right into it. But first, Prof.
LENIE for those who might not be familiar with the
Host
issue, could you give us a brief background on Rizal’s
supposed retraction? And what led to his execution?
Dr. José P. Rizal is an ultimate individual known for his
achievements and dedication as a doctor, writer,
revolutionary— and basically, he is the original “Jack
of All Trades,” but with better handwriting!

Rizal was accused of inciting rebellion against the

Spanish colonial government. His works and other
evidence were used against him which led to his
execution in 1896. Before his execution, Rizal was
Professor
reportedly visited by priests who claimed that he
retracted his criticisms of the Catholic Church and the
Spanish regime. The retraction statement supposedly
disavowed his writings, including his two famous
novels, “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo”. For
many, this was shocking—how could the country's
most famous revolutionary suddenly take everything
back? Eto na mismo yung point wherein many
historians dig deeper and studied this aspect.
With that, maybe Rizal can possibly qualify as the first
Host person to “retract” something before social media
made it a trend!
We can say na ganon nan ga yung case. However,
there are inconsistencies kasi in the documents, and
Professor no one can definitively prove whether pinirmahan
nga ba ni Rizal yung retraction document or if it was
just fabricated by the Spaniards to save their faces.
A classic mystery indeed. Pero, it is the very essence
naman of this segment—to answer the questions
regarding Rizal’s retraction.
Host
Before we continue the discussion, let’s take a quick
break first. Stay with us—we’ve got more to unravel
about Rizal’s mysterious last days!
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Break 1 struggling to cook pancit canton.
Actor 1 Mga bes, bakit ang hirap magluto ng pancit canton?
(Sabay tingin sa package.)

Boil for three minutes? Tapos drain? Teka, anong comically

“drain”? Pagod na ako! Help! dramatic music
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Naku, don’t we all struggle with pancit canton at some Studio music
point? (laugh! Laugh? Talaga? gaurrrr)

Alright, back to the topic. So, basically, we’re talking

mainly about a historical cliffhanger! I love it!
Host
But really, ano sa tingin niyo, what would a tweet
from Rizal look like? If the retraction was true, is it
something like “#SorryNotSorry but my thoughts on
colonialism have changed!” ?
That’s actually brilliant. It would probably have a lot (tawa siya ulit)
Professor of likes, given that the generation of today are more
inclined to catchy taglines and such!
I totally agree to that Prof. But on serious note, Prof.
LENIE mentioned earlier the inconsistencies of the
Host document of alleged retraction. May I ask you MS.
YANA Why do you believe that Rizal did, in fact,
retract?
It’s simple. First of all, there are multiple accounts of
priests who were with Rizal on his final night. They
wouldn't make something this big up, right? Plus, the
document exists! It might not be perfect, but it’s there.
Pro Also, Rizal was deeply religious; we can’t deny that.
Baka he was just trying to save his soul, you know?
Kaya niya naisipang magretract from what he had
done and wrote, even na parang last minute decision
nay un. Kasi why not, diba?
Hah! I’m sorry, but that’s a bit naïve. Just because
something exists doesn't make it true, MS. YANA .
The Spanish government had everything to gain by
making the Filipino people believe that Jose Rizal, our
Oppose greatest hero, suddenly bowed down to them.
Convenient as to timing, right? We can say na they had
the motive to do so and the power to forge that
document. Kaya, there is still a high possibility that
Rizal did not retract.
 Well, come on, MS. LENIETTE . You're telling me (defensive)
that those priests present in his cell in Fort Santiago
Pro
were all lying? That’s a lot of people involved in a
conspiracy!
Hindi mor in naman ako masisi as to why I have that (rolling her
opinion. Such instance wouldn’t be the first time that eyes)
Oppose
the Church and the Spanish government worked
together to suppress a revolution. Alam mo yan!
Okay, okay! Let’s not get too heated! You both have
strong arguments and I’m sorry to interrupt this, but
Host
we’ll continue after watching a highlight of Batang
Quiapo! Let’s give it a fun twist!
Commercial Lena, Rigor, and Marites proceeded in front! They were Suspenseful
Break 2 in a heated conversation! music
BACK TO STUDIO Upbeat music
Host Sobrang intense naman niyan! Parang gusto ko Studio music
maging si Marites. Tatadyakan ko lang si Lena (tatawa
dapat). Pero aminin kasi natin, bukod sa feisty nan ga
si Marites, natuto na rin siyang lumaban kay Lena, but
of course, in a more demure manner!

Kayo ba? Gusto niyo bang maging si Lena?

Continuing where we left earlier. MS. LENIETTE , I

see you’ve got more to say—what else do you have to
support your case that Rizal didn’t retract?
One of the biggest arguments against the retraction is
that the original document was never actually shown
publicly until decades later. And by then, it was
heavily contested. Isn’t it that a primary source
document is more reliable if it is closer to the date of
the event?
Oppose
There’s even evidence suggesting the handwriting
doesn’t fully match Rizal’s. And you know, Rizal was a
man of principle. It’s hard to imagine him turning his
back on everything he fought for, lalo na on his
deathbed. Kaya constant talaga ako that the retraction
does not actually happen as what claims by the
others.
But you must consider Rizal’s humanity. He wasn’t (countering)
just a hero; he was a person with fears and beliefs.
Pro Maybe at the end, he wanted to find peace with God. I
think we’re being too harsh on him if we assume he
could never waver.
 Both sides made valid points. The truth is, no one will (thoughtful)
probably ever know the absolute truth, unless a new
Professor
piece of evidence surfaces. That’s why this debate
continues more than a century later.
Oo nga, Prof. Parang mas marami pang tanong kaysa
sagot! Let’s take a deeper dive. Professor LENIE ,
Host
can you tell us about the historical context? What
were the stakes for Rizal at that time?
Absolutely! Rizal was a leading figure in the fight
against colonial rule. His writings inspired many, but
Professor
he faced a tough choice—stand by his beliefs or save
his life.
So, is it like choosing between Netflix or going out to
Host
watch a movie?
We could not take lightly Rizal’s situation at that time
since, yun nga, a life and death context are far
different from merely choosing what to do in a daily
Professor
basis. Pero sige, in a modern context, pwede sigurong
ganon nga kaganapan, but in this case naman, the
“movie” you are pertaining could cost you your life.
I get now the point, Prof. It is enlightening talaga to be
your host for today, which I am thankful of. And
hoping nag anon din ang nararamdaman ng ating mga
viewers.

Host Diba viewers all over the world? Stay tuned lang kayo

May we ask our dear viewers and live audiences to

prepare their questions or any inquiries to be asked
to our guests. Abanagan sa pagbabalik ng “Pulsong
Pinoy”.
(The setting is a dimly lit, simple jail cell. The faint
sound of church bells rings in the distance. It is the
night before José Rizal’s execution. The room is small,
cold, with a single bed and a small table. On the table is
a quill, ink, and a piece of parchment—the retraction
document.)
Commercial
Break 3
(Rizal sits on the edge of the bed, deep in thought,
holding the document in his hand. Two figures appear
—one representing his conscience and the other
representing fear. Both figures are dressed in period
clothing, but their presence is more ethereal,
symbolizing the internal conflict within Rizal.)
Fear Tomorrow, they will take your life. This retraction (soft almost
 could save your soul. A few words, that’s all it takes. pleading)
Think of your family, your loved ones—do you want to
leave them knowing your soul is damned? The Church (gestures to the
can offer you salvation. But is pride worth your document)
eternal soul?
But everything I’ve written… everything I’ve fought (whispers,
Rizal
for… unsure)
Exactly. You are José Rizal. You wrote the words that (calm but firm)
gave our people hope. Your Noli and Fili—they are
more than just books; they are the soul of a nation. (Conscience
Conscience Would you let all of that vanish in a moment of doubt? steps forward,
placing a hand
Isn't your real legacy the strength to stand firm, even on Rizal’s
in the face of death? shoulder.)
(Rizal looks down at the document, his hand trembling
slightly.)
The people… they expect so much of me. And yet, I am
Rizal human. I am afraid. Will history forgive me for this
moment?
History doesn’t matter when you’re gone, José! What
good are ideals when you’re six feet under? The
Fear
Spaniards will kill you tomorrow, but your faith can
save you now. Save yourself! Sign it!
(Rizal’s hand moves toward the quill. He hesitates.)
What will you leave behind, José? What will your
children, your people, see in you? A man who stood
Fear
for truth, or a man who bowed down when it
mattered most?
(A long pause. Rizal’s hand stops, hovering above the
document.)
It is so easy to yield… to save myself. But, my words…
Rizal my soul has already been written in them. I cannot
betray my people. I cannot betray myself.
(He puts down the quill. The figures of Fear and
Conscience fade as he rises to his feet.)
Rizal I will face death, but I will not face it as a coward.
(He folds the document, unread, and walks toward the
window, looking out at the night sky. The camera
lingers on the untouched paper.)
End Scene (The screen fades to black, with the sound of church
bells continuing to ring in the distance. The words "Did
he retract?" appear on the screen, followed by a
simple, thoughtful message.)

Message on Screen:
 "In life, we face moments of doubt, but it is how we
choose to stand by our principles that defines us. What
would you choose?"
BACK TO STUDIO Upbeat music
And we’re back! This has been one of our liveliest Studio music
discussions yet. At this time, let’s now give the floor to
our dear viewers and live audience for their
Host
questions.

Any questions from the group?

Question 1 If he did retract, would he still be considered a hero?
That’s the million-peso question! It’s like if Superman
Host decided to hang up his cape—would we still love him
as much?
Guests (any) Answer
One of the controversies regarding Rizal’s retraction
Question 2 is whether Rizal and Josephine Bracken got married
before his execution. Did they got married?
They are married only under common-law marriage
or what we call now as “civil wedding”. Their marriage
cannot be considered as valid or legal in terms
Guests (any)
affecting the Church because of the refusal of the
Church to marry them due to Rizal's conflicts with the
Spanish friars.
Guests (any) Additional answer
Is there really a need for us to care whether Rizal
Question 3
retracted or not?
Absolutely. Rizal’s legacy is important to our identity
as Filipinos and understanding whether or not he
stood by his beliefs until the end influences how we
Professor
see him as a hero. But at the same time, it’s also a
lesson for us to critically examine history and not take
everything at face value.
For me, the retraction shows that Rizal was human,
and I think that makes him even more relatable. We
Pro shouldn’t expect our heroes to be perfect. At the end
of the day, his impact on the nation is what really
matters.
I still don’t believe he retracted, but I think the real
lesson here is to fight for what we believe in, even in
Oppose
the face of overwhelming pressure. That’s what Rizal
stood for, and that’s why he is my hero.
 Dramatic music
for ending
Host As we wrap up today’s show, one thing is clear:
 whether Rizal’s retraction was fact or fiction, it’s a
captivating tale that keeps us questioning.

So, what’s the final verdict? Fact or fiction? Is it just Tawa ka daw
like my attempts at improving my problem-solving dito Aliyahhhhh
skills, but the problem keeps improving too?
That the retraction is deemed to be a fiction due to
Audience lack of evidence and inconsistencies of the document
itself and the character of Jose Rizal.
Wow! What a discussion we had for today! We could
go on for hours, but sadly, that’s all the time we have.
Thank you so much, Prof. LENIE , MS. YANA ,
and MS. LENIETTE for this spirited debate!
Host
And to our viewers, thank you for tuning in to
“Pulsong Pinoy”! Join us again next week for another
deep dive into the heart of Filipino culture. Until then,
keep the conversation going, and remember—history
is as alive as we make it! Bye for now!
(Outro music plays, and the credits roll.)
END OF SCRIPT
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